Fed Narrows Chair Candidates, Shutdown Continued Into Earnings Season

Market Overview - Futures are modestly higher, with the dollar showing a decline due to a stronger Japanese yen, which is up 0.4% [2] - Yields have dropped below 4.1%, influenced by comments from Christopher Waller regarding negative job growth and a shift in focus towards the labor market rather than inflation [2] - Crude oil prices are approaching $60, which is seen as favorable for the inflation narrative [2] Upcoming Economic Data - Consumer sentiment data from the University of Michigan is expected to be released shortly, with predictions indicating a slight decline to 54 [3][10] - The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is attempting to recall furloughed employees to expedite the release of Consumer Price Index (CPI) data, anticipated by the end of the month [11] Earnings Season - The earnings season is set to commence on Tuesday, with major banks such as JP Morgan, Citigroup, Wells Fargo, and Goldman Sachs reporting [4][12] - The initial focus will be on banks and airlines, followed by large-cap tech companies later in the season [4] Federal Reserve Leadership - The list of candidates for the next Federal Reserve chairman has been narrowed down to five, including Kevin Hasset, Kevin Warsh, Michelle Bowman, Christopher Waller, and Rick Reeder [6][7] - Notably, James Bullard, a previous candidate, has not made it to the final five, which was unexpected [8]